Dear Parents/Guardians,

January 5, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

with love and laughter!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas filled

It is nice to see all the kids excited to share their

Christmas stories with each other.

Here is what is happening in our Grade Two program during the month of
January:
English Language Arts:
Our ELA theme will continue around traditions and celebrations throughout
the month of January. We will be focusing on the writing process this month,
specifically around using correct punctuation. Keep an eye out for our Snowman
stories that will be published on our class blog toward the end of January/very
beginning of February. Guided Reading will continue four days a week as it has in
the past, as well as our Daily Five Centers.
Math:
In Math, we are continuing our third unit, Addition and Subtraction to 18.
We will be building on our fundamental math skills and sharpening our mental math
by working with manipulatives as we practice our basic addition and subtraction
facts. Please refer to the Math Makes Sense newsletter (that I will resend with
this classroom newsletter) for activities that will support students learning of the
math concepts at home. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Mathletics
at home for extra practice. A copy of your childs username and password was sent
home in the report card.

Social Studies:
We are continuing to study communities in our Social Studies program in
January. We will be exploring our location in our world which will include
memorizing their home address and phone numbers and mapping activities. As well,
the class will be creating a miniature community in our classroom. Please send tiny
boxes or other small items that may be used to make our Tiny Town.
Religion:
Our main focus in January, in Religion, is on the sacraments of Holy
Communion and Confirmation. We will be discussing the significance of the
Eucharist during the mass. Students will also be learning about the gifts of the
Holy Spirit.
Social Skills:
We will be learning about managing our emotions. The themes we will be
discussing during the month of January will be, managing anxious feelings, managing
anger, and tools to complete tasks/assignments. Periodically, Home Links will be
emailed home as we discuss each theme.
Fully Alive:
During the month of January we will begin the Fully Alive program.
Attached to this email is the Fully Alive, Catholic Family Life Program introduction
letter. Please look for the Fully Alive duotang which will be sent home periodically
with the notes describing the content of each new theme and reflection activities
to complete with your child at home. Please send the duotang back to school each
day even if the activity is not yet completed. We would be happy to answer any
questions or concerns that you may have.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Sharing:
During the month of January, students are able to bring an item of their
choice. It would be great if you could practice with your child the following
questions ahead of time;
-

What is the item?

Why is the item special to you?

Who or where did you get it from?

Sincerely,
Mrs. S. Sanche
Mrs. H. McNairn